A key aim of the Renewable Fuel Standard was to reduce US dependence on foreign oil while increasing the use of renewable fuels when it was passed in 2005.

Yet today it could be poised to have the opposite effect on imports, as some US refiners say they are being crushed by the high cost of compliance which, in turn, could lead to closure of some refineries — and increased dependence on foreign oil.

The Louisiana Offshore Oil Port and regional refining industry could be set to carry the load in the near future, collectively establishing itself as the most important chunk of US oil infrastructure while Texas remains hobbled by Hurricane Harvey.

In three updates so far, LOOP has said its facilities are operating normally, although many facilities in neighboring Texas are shut.